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SHELLFISH ALLERGY


WHAT IS A SHELLFISH ALLERGY?
 

There are two major categories of shellfish: crustaceans and mollusks. Crustaceans include crabs, lobsters, crayfish, shrimp, and more. Mollusks include snails, slugs, mussels, and octopuses. A shellfish allergy reaction refers to an adverse immune response to either category but the crustacean group causes the most severe reactions.

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Shellfish cause the most allergic reactions in adults, affecting about 2% of the population. They are also responsible for 0.1% of allergic reactions in children. These adverse immune responses are mainly caused by tropomyosin, a major muscle protein. There are high levels of tropomyosin in shrimp, crab, and lobster, making them the most common offending shellfish.

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Since shellfish are often cross-reactive, it is recommended that allergic patients avoid all types of shellfish. We've provided a complete shellfish allergy food list to help you navigate through your allergy with ease.


TYPES OF SHELLFISH
 

  • Abalone

  • Barnacles

  • Calamari

  • Clams

  • Cockle

  • Crab

  • Crawdads

  • Crawfish

  • Crayfish

  • Cuttlefish

  • Ecrevisse

  • Escargot

  • Geoduck

  • Krill

  • Limpet

  • Lobster

  • Mollusks

  • Mussels

  • Octopus

  • Oysters

  • Periwinkle

  • Prawns

  • Scallops

  • Scampi

  • Sea Cucumber

  • Sea urchin

  • Shrimp

  • Snails

  • Squid

  • Whelk


SHELLFISH ALLERGY FOODS TO AVOID
 

Any food prepared at a seafood restaurant is likely to have cross-contact with shellfish. Some examples are:

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  • Bouillabaisse

  • Cuttlefish Ink

  • Fish Stock

  • Paella

  • Seafood Flavoring

  • Surimi


SHELLFISH ALLERGY SYMPTOMS
 

  • Anaphylaxis

  • Asthma symptoms

  • Hives or shellfish allergy rash

  • Swelling in one place or all over the body

  • Tightening of the throat

  • Tingling or itchiness in the mouth

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Most reactions occur within 30 minutes of consumption, however, it can take longer for symptoms of shellfish allergy to appear. Allergic reactions to shellfish can result from touching or simply inhaling the allergen. Asthma symptoms can also appear after inhalation or other exposure to shellfish. For these reasons, you should avoid any activity or restaurant that can expose you to shellfish.


SHELLFISH ALLERGY DIAGNOSIS
 

A shellfish allergy can be diagnosed with a skin prick test. This shellfish allergy test provides a quick and relatively safe way to detect allergies. Skin prick testing takes less than 20 minutes to complete.

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If you experience the above symptoms after eating shellfish, call our office to confirm your shellfish allergy or sensitivity. In certain situations, symptoms appear due to toxins in shellfish. So you may not be truly allergic. It’s important to get a proper diagnosis to receive the appropriate care.


SHELLFISH ALLERGY TREATMENT
 

The only proven therapy for a shellfish allergy is avoidance, which is not always possible. In this case, antihistamines can help soothe your symptoms. Contact AAEQ for an allergy treatment plan that includes your personalized list of medications to help you feel better.

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Patients with a history of anaphylaxis should receive an epinephrine auto-injector. There are many options available, such as EpiPen or AUVI-Q. Please talk to our tema about which device is best for you.

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SHELLFISH ALLERGY FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
 

Is Shellfish Allergy the Same As Seafood Allergy?

No, shellfish allergy refers to shelled fish while seafood allergy includes shelled and finned fish.

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If I’m Allergic to Shellfish, Can I Still Eat Regular Fish?

Shellfish and fish are often not related. So being allergic to shellfish doesn’t guarantee a fish allergy. However, always consult with your allergist about possible allergens.

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Can Individuals Allergic to Shellfish Eat Imitation Crab?

Imitation crab is made from Alaska pollock which is a finned fish, but some brands do contain less than 2% of king crab. To be safe, avoid imitation crab.

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Do Shellfish Allergic Patients React to Both Categories of Shellfish?

Some people with shellfish allergies are allergic to both groups (crustacean &mollusk) while others are allergic to just one. Contact AAEQ to determine if you must avoid both categories of shellfish.

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Is Shellfish Allergy Curable?

No, shellfish allergy cannot be cured. However, our team can help manage your symptoms.

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Why are People Allergic to Shellfish?

Allergic reactions are mainly caused by tropomyosin, a major muscle protein. Fish with higher levels of tropomyosin cause more severe allergic reactions to shellfish.

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Can I be Allergic to Shellfish?

Shellfish allergy is one of the most common allergies. If you experience any shellfish allergy symptoms, contact AAEQ.

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How is Shellfish Allergy Treated?

Our specialists can treat your shellfish allergy with medications.

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How is Shellfish Allergy Diagnosed?

Our team can diagnose your shellfish allergy with allergy testing methods such as a shellfish allergy patch test or skin prick test.


SUMMARY
 

AAEQ is here to help answer all of your shellfish related questions. Our team can also help you find relief for your respiratory allergies, skin conditions, and asthma. We see both adult and pediatric patients. Book an appointment today by using the button below!

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